November 11 marks Veterans Day, the national holiday to honor those who served in the armed forces with remembrances, flags, free meals and more.

But for many veterans, one day isn't enough. Their struggles post-military life are constant, be it through lasting wounds, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, other mental health problems or homelessness. Mounting troubles contribute to a veteran suicide rate that averages around 20 former service members per day.

Advertisement

Related Content

A comprehensive Department of Veterans Affairs study using data on veteran suicide from 2001 to 2014 shows the rate of veterans committing suicide increased 32.2 percent in that time frame. In 2014, 18 percent (7,403) of all suicide deaths in the U.S. were veterans.

"Twenty suicides a day is just an unacceptable figure," VA chief David Shulkin told CNN Friday morning.

The numbers are alarming, but there are ways to help.

This Veterans Day, the VA is pushing its "Be There" campaign to raise awareness of its Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can also chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text 838255.